On Sunday October 5th, a team of three riders travelled from Árd Scoil na nDéise to Warrington Equestrian Centre in Kilkenny to take part in the Equestrian Interschool’s Show Jumping. The team comprised of Sarah Power, Lara Power and Lydia Troy, all from 3rd year. Oral Healy also a 3rd year, travelled as an individual to compete in the Open Individual class.

A very competitive 15 teams from around Munster and Leinster competed in the novice event with the host school, Kilkenny College, proving the winners after a nail biting jump-off round against the clock. With a total of 12 faults, Árd Scoil na nDéise did not contest the jump-off but all students enjoyed themselves immensely.

Oral Healy had to battle strong winds and heavy rain for her competition where she finished on a total score of 8 faults. Well done to all our students and we look forward to our next competition. A huge thank you to all the parents who transported the ponies on the day.

Layla Caulfield

TY Pitch and Putt

TY Students at the Dungarvan Pitch and Putt

On Tuesday the 7th of October our T.Y.A class took a stroll down to the Dungarvan pitch and putt club. It was a crisp autumn afternoon, the sun was shining and there was a fresh cool breeze blowing.

When we arrived at the club, there was an ecstatic atmosphere. We were all extremely eager to get out on the course and start golfing. Once the clubs were handed out we were off. Our class split up into smaller groups and the games began. Golfing was a lot trickier than we first anticipated; when we had to hit long distance shots the balls were sent flying through the air in all directions. I think we were lucky no injuries occurred.

We started to get a hang of things and the course was safer to roam freely around without the risk of getting pelted in the head with a golf ball. Things were going well and everybody was enjoying themselves. I think to say we were disappointed to leave was an understatement. Everyone had an amazing time and I don't think one person will disagree when I say we would love to go back again at some stage during the school year.

Sinead O’Donnell

5th Year Music Trip to UCC

Fifth Year Music Class at UCC

On Monday the 6th of October, the fifth year music class were invited to a concert in UCC organised by the UCC Music Department. The concert was introduced by Doctor Mel Mercier who is an academic, performer and composer and a senior lecturer in music. We were then treated to a fantastic performance by The Vanberg String Quartet. They played a wide variety of music from Mozart to Shostakovich.

Following their performances we were privileged to hear Mairéad Carey a recipient of The Quercus Scholarship of UCC. She performed a selection of jigs and reels, including her own composition. Next we enjoyed a performance by Niall Vallely on the concertina. He played sets of traditional tunes, some of which he composed himself with unusual time signatures. The show was closed with a rendition of ‘The O’Riada Room’, a piece composed by Vallely himself in honour of the late Seán O’Riada. Afterwards we were treated to lunch and we were offered the opportunity to speak to members of the Music Department of UCC. It was an enjoyable and uplifting experience.

Dervla Duhig and Caitríona O’Brien

Mass of Thanksgiving for the late Sr. Paula Buckley, R.I.P.

Sr. Paula Buckley, R.I.P.

A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated in Árd Scoil na nDéise on Friday, October 24th at 7.30 p.m.
Sr. Paula spent a number of years as Principal in St. Joseph’s Secondary School (formerly Presentation Convent Secondary School) during the eighties. Then, in 1990, when the Presentation and Mercy Schools amalgamated as Árd Scoil na nDéise, Sr. Paula continued her pastoral care in career guidance and counselling.

Unfortunately, Sr. Paula was taken tragically from this life almost two months ago. She touched the hearts of many people here in Dungarvan. Many of her past students and colleagues had warm memories of her. With this in mind, we think it is fitting to have a Mass of Thanksgiving for her life and the many blessings her ministry brought to the people of Dungarvan. We extend an open invitation to this Mass to anyone whose life she touched.